NASA in talks for Japanese spacecraft

CHOFU, Japan, July 20 (UPI) -- NASA officials have begun negotiations to purchase a transfer spacecraft from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, a Japanese newspaper reports.

The Yomiuri Shimbun said Sunday the U.S. space agency wants to buy several H-2 Transfer Vehicles, a series of unmanned cargo craft, from its Japanese counterpart to eventually replace its own shuttle model.

The current model of National Aeronautics and Space Administration space shuttles is due to be retired in 2010.

If the two sides can reach agreement, it would mark the largest contract deal in the 50-year history of Japan's space program.

The Japanese craft is being designed by a group of manufacturers, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. The H-2B vehicle that would be used to launch it also is under development.

The Shimbun said the advanced spacecrafts would be used to deliver supplies to the International Space Station, which both the United States and Japan are helping support.